On today's podcast episode, we discuss the three biggest questions surrounding Google right now: Is Google spending too much in the AI race? Will the company finally rationalize its AI product naming conventions? And what will the next phase of YouTube's growth look like? Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with Principal Analyst Nate Elliott and Analyst Marisa Jones. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.
Short-form video is where social platforms are concentrating their ad innovation in 2026. Instagram is monetizing the moment after a Reel ends, YouTube Shorts earned the industry's first short-form measurement accreditation, and episodic formats are turning casual scrolling into appointment viewing. This FAQ covers the formats, inventory growth, and creative practices shaping short-form video advertising.
Brands can buy into Apple’s audience: Search ads and new in-app inventory reach paid subscribers with cards already on file.
TikTok's biggest US audience isn't Gen Z: 36.5 million visitors ages 25 to 34 came to the platform in May 2026, compared with 24.5 million ages 18 to 24, according to a May survey from Comscore.
Digital audio is quietly restructuring the listening landscape. Ad-supported streaming music is taking share from radio, podcasts are reaching record audiences, and Gen Z spends more time in Spotify's app than YouTube's. For advertisers, audio offers trusted voices and habitual daily attention at prices below video. This FAQ covers where listening is moving, why audio earns budget, and how to plan the channel in 2026.
YouTube views rise but attention declines: Discovery isn’t turning into deeper engagement, making retention and conversions more valuable than reach.
Audio and video podcasts complement each other: Combining both formats can build brand trust first and drive measurable consumer actions later.
On today’s podcast episode, we discuss the three biggest questions surrounding Netflix right now: Will the shift from a few long weekly viewing sessions to multiple short daily ones undermine Netflix’s ability to attract audiences for regularly scheduled programming? Should Netflix consider a free tier? Has Netflix been left out in the cold when it comes to bundled services? And more. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with Senior Analyst Ross Benes and Daniel Konstantinovic, Senior Editor of our Marketing and Advertising Briefing. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
YouTube adds Peacock to Premium: The deal could give Peacock more scale and make NBCU's premium ad inventory more attractive to marketers.
World Cup viewers span every screen: Sports marketers need coordinated TV, streaming, and social campaigns to capture the full audience.
Athletes make Twitch the main event: Unscripted streams deliver trust, urgency, and sponsorship time that standard VOD ads cannot match.
Disney expands AI into CTV advertising: The move could make TV creative more accessible, but only if brands keep tight oversight and quality assurance.
Creator videos capture 26% of viewing time: Creator content is now a core media buy, but brands will need stronger creator fits as competition rises.
YouTube’s ad business stays resilient: Revenues may cool as video budgets fragment, but strong marketer and user demand keep it ahead in creator content.
Apple builds IP for mobile feeds: Its telenovela format blends regional relevance, recognizable talent, owned distribution, and performance data.
Restraining order halts Paramount-WBD deal: The delay clouds 2027 ad planning as brands prepare for one seller or two.
TikTok partners with NBA and WNBA: Pro basketball content extends the ad window and keeps conversations active beyond live broadcasts.
Telemundo lands UEFA soccer rights: Exclusive rights give advertisers year-round access to Spanish-language soccer audiences beyond marquee tournaments.
YouTube ad growth slows: Video budgets are spreading across more platforms, making YouTube one part of a broader media strategy.
Netflix revenues mask engagement strain: Q2 sales rose 13%, but slow viewing gains raise doubts about keeping audiences—and advertisers—engaged.